The effect of gender norms on gender-based sorting across occupations

Despite the notable progress that has been made in bridging the gap between women and men in the world of work, women are still underrepresented in many occupations. In this article, the effect of gender norms on whether women enter male-dominated occupations is analysed using differences in gender equality among early-arrival migrants. The variations in gender norms according to the cultural backgrounds of those migrants by country of origin are exploited to identify their impact on occupational choices. Using data from the American Community Survey, it is found that greater gender equality in the country of origin reduces the gender gap in male-dominated occupations. Suggestive evidence is further shown on the roles of job flexibility and women's relative preferences for family-friendly jobs in shaping gender-based sorting across occupations.

Automated summary

Despite progress in bridging the gender gap in the workplace, women are still underrepresented in many occupations. This article examines the influence of gender norms on women's decision to enter male-dominated professions using data from early-arrival migrants with varying levels of gender equality in their country of origin. The findings suggest that higher gender equality in the country of origin leads to a smaller gender gap in male-dominated occupations. The study also provides suggestive evidence on the role of job flexibility and women's preferences for family-friendly jobs in shaping gender-based sorting across professions.